Texas will discontinue paper license tags starting Tuesday.

In a significant legislative shift, Texas car buyers will no longer receive paper tags for new and used vehicles, effective Tuesday. This change stems from the recent passage of House Bill 718, which mandates licensed car dealerships to provide permanent metal license plates at the time of sale rather than the temporary paper ones that have been commonplace in the state.

The previous paper tags have drawn considerable scrutiny due to their association with a range of illicit activities. Law enforcement officials have pointed out that these tags can be easily forged, leading to complications in identifying vehicles involved in criminal acts. Instances have arisen where bogus tags enabled drivers to evade crucial regulatory requirements, including vehicle inspections, registration, and insurance obligations. To address these pressing issues, the Texas legislation aims to enhance the integrity of vehicle registration in an effort to minimize fraud.

Under the new law, existing paper tags will remain valid for a period of 60 days, after which they will expire. This transition supports a broader initiative to bolster public safety and ensure responsible vehicle ownership across Texas.

While dealers are now expected to primarily issue standard black-and-white metal plates, they are equipped with the option to utilize temporary metal tags in specific circumstances. Such situations include occasions when permanent plates are unavailable, for test drives, or when a vehicle is sold to an out-of-state buyer. The vehicle registration process is also being streamlined; dealerships will utilize the online portal webDEALER to facilitate immediate registration and title applications, thereby assisting in quicker issuance of metal plates.

This legislative change follows tragic events underscoring the risks associated with fraudulent paper tags. One notable incident in November 2022 involved the death of a Grand Prairie police officer, who was killed during a pursuit of a vehicle utilizing a fake paper license plate linked to over 200 vehicles.

This new requirement reflects Texas’s commitment to enhancing road safety and regulatory compliance among vehicle owners. The transition to durable metal tags is expected not only to deter fraudulent practices but also to promote a safer and more accountable vehicle ownership experience across the state.

For ongoing developments regarding vehicle registration laws and public safety measures in Texas, updates will be forthcoming from various reliable Media News Sources.